Forrest D. Bushert

El Paso-Forrest D. Bushert, 80, of El Paso, IL passed away at 11:27 am on Tuesday, August 12, 2015 of natural causes at him home.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no visitation or services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rock Island High School Scholarship Fund, El Paso Music Department, or the El Paso Rescue Squad.

Forrest was born on November 13, 1934 in Decatur, IL a son of Lloyd and Dorothy Weaver Bushert. He was raised in Rock Island, IL and married Joann Nelson on June 5, 1954. She survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Pamela (Wes) Keller; Penelope (Jeff) Reedy; one son Shawn (Sarah) Bushert all of El Paso; two granddaughters Brynn (Tim) Neisler; Shana (Scott) Bundy; five grandsons Blaine (Skye) Reedy; Tristan Reedy; Drew Keller, William Bushert, Samuel Bushert; three great-granddaughters Kendyl Cain, Harper Neisler, and Kaylee Bundy; one great grandson Blake Bundy; two sisters Dolores Kannaley of Galesburg, IL; Evelyn Hoover of Milan, IL; and one brother Merlin Bushert of Benton Harbor, MI.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Emily Lou Fues and Eunice Sellers.

At the age of 16, Forrest was hired by F.W. Woolworth Company in Rhode Island. During his employment at F.W.W.C. he held positions in Marion; Indiana; Chicago Proper Northside and Westside; Loves Park; Belvidere; Blue Island; Peoria; Hillside; and Bloomington. As a district manager he directed 13 stores and became the youngest store manager in the Chicago District at the age of 21. After 23 years working there, he purchased the Hornsby store in El Paso and he and his wife Joann opened Bushert's Variety along with some of his family. Pam Keller has worked there for 40 years, Penny Reedy for 2 years, Shawn Bushert for 32 years, Jeff Reedy for 20 years, as well as his grandchildren, Shana, Tristan, Drew, and Will.

Upon the purchase of the Hornsby store, the family has resided in El Paso for 42 years. One of the highlights was meeting George and Barbara Bush when the tour bus stopped in El Paso and Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gale entertained in front of Bushert's.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the El Paso Rescue Squad, Police Chief Jeff Price, and the El Paso Police Department.

Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in El Paso is assisting the family with their arrangements. Tributes and condolences may be made to all family members at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.